Rift Widens Between PPP and PML-N as Maryam’s Remarks Trigger NA Walkout

By AD Khan

Islamabad: The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) staged a walkout from the National Assembly on Tuesday in protest against remarks by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, escalating tensions within the ruling coalition.

The dispute, which began over the use of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) for flood compensation, deepened after Maryam defended Punjab’s controversial Cholistan canal project and told the PPP to “keep its advice to itself.”

Maryam Nawaz’s Harsh Remarks

At an event in Faisalabad on Monday, Maryam warned coalition partners against criticising Punjab’s development projects. “If Punjab wants to construct canals for its water, why are you bothered? It is Punjab’s water. It belongs to the people, farmers, and fields of Punjab. If I want to create canals, why do you object to it?” she said, adding that Punjab would not “steal water” but use it for its own needs.

She also took aim at the PPP’s proposal to channel flood relief through BISP, dismissing it as inadequate. “Funds given under the BISP are not enough for flood relief. Keep your advice to yourself. Punjab never interferes in your matters, so you don’t interfere in Punjab’s matters,” she said. At another ceremony in Chakwal, the Punjab CM criticised politicians who, in her words, “sit in air-conditioned rooms and roam in bulletproof cars while people suffer.”

PPP’s Response

Speaking in the assembly, senior PPP leader Syed Naveed Qamar criticised Maryam’s statements, particularly her remarks “our water, our canals, our choice.” He said the Indus River belonged to the entire federation and warned that the party could reconsider its position on the treasury benches.

“It is becoming very difficult for us to sit on the government benches. We are not here for ministries — only respect and partnership,” Qamar said before leading PPP lawmakers out of the House.

Law Minister Apologises

Following the walkout, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar expressed regret over the escalation. He acknowledged that Maryam Nawaz’s remarks might have hurt PPP lawmakers and emphasised that such disputes should not overshadow relief efforts for flood victims.

Tarar urged both sides to “sit together and resolve misunderstandings through dialogue,” reminding lawmakers that “national challenges require unity, not division.” He further noted that the ruling coalition owed its strength to consensus and cautioned against letting political rivalries deepen provincial fault lines.

“I apologise if our friends in the PPP felt disrespected. We cannot afford to weaken this partnership at such a sensitive time for the country,” he said, stressing that the government must remain focused on the economy and flood rehabilitation.

PTI Parallel Session

The same sitting also saw PTI-backed independents storm the speaker’s dais, prompting adjournment of the House until Friday. Led by Mahmood Khan Achakzai, the group later held an alternative “people’s assembly” inside the chamber, chaired by former speaker Asad Qaiser.

During the session, PTI chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan tabled resolutions rejecting recognition of Israel and opposing the transfer of PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi from Adiala Jail. Both were adopted.

PPP’s Next Move

According to party sources, the PPP leadership plans to raise its concerns directly with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif upon his return from London. The party has warned that unless respect is restored within the coalition, it may explore “other options.”

The controversial Cholistan canal project, launched in February with the backing of Army Chief Gen Asim Munir, was halted in April following strong opposition from Sindh and a subsequent Council of Common Interests (CCI) decision to suspend work until consensus was reached.

By reviving the issue and criticising BISP, Maryam has reopened longstanding political and provincial fault lines, complicating relations with her coalition partner.